War of words erupts after school's 'scandalous' decision to drop history

Published on Thursday 5 March 2009 21:06

HISTORY is to be dropped from a school's curriculum for two years, after poor results and falling interest in the subject.

Pupils at St Mungo's High in Falkirk will not be able to take history at Standard grade next year or Higher the following year.

School authorities said the time was needed to allow a comprehensive review of how the subject is taught.

However, critics last night said it was "scandalous" that such a key subject could be dropped.

The move flies in the face of the Scottish Government's drive to ensure history is at the heart of the curriculum.

The SNP's 2007 manifesto pledged Scottish history would be "embedded in school life" to provide a "Scottish world view".

The 243 pupils in S2 at the school will not be offered the option of history when they move into third year in August.

In 2004, the number of S2 pupils choosing to take Standard grade history at St Mungo's was 43, which fell to 38 last year. At Higher, nine took history in 2004 compared with six last year. In contrast, national statistics from the Scottish Qualifications Authority show a rise in pupils choosing Higher history, from 8,088 in 2003 to 8,185 in 2007.

St Mungo's staff were concerned that pupils were getting results a grade or more lower in history than in other subjects.

Stephen Phee, St Mungo's headteacher, assured parents the move was not permanent.

He said: "It was recognised two years ago that not only was interest in subject diminishing amongst pupils, those who were sitting Standard and Higher grades were performing markedly less well in history than in the other subjects they were taking.

"At that stage it was agreed to implement a two-year plan to reorganise and to revitalise the teaching of history for Standard and Higher grade courses in St Mungo's. That plan is now being carried out."

A Falkirk education authority spokeswoman confirmed that additional teachers were to be trained to teach the subject.

The Scotsman understands the school has only one history teacher, forcing non-specialists to teach the subject in pre-exam years – a common practice in schools.

The headteacher said: "There is no question of a lack of confidence in the history teaching staff who are fully committed to their subject, to teaching in general, and who are actively looking at ways to refresh the courses, engage all pupils' interest and help them to reach their full potential."

Professor Tom Devine, a historian, said the move was "scandalous" and St Mungo's experience bucked the national trend.

He said: "The evidence from the Scottish Association of Teachers of History, suggests of the three social subjects – modern studies, history and geography – the most popular in growth of pupil numbers and examinations over the past five years, has been history.

"Would they ever think about doing this with maths, English or physical education?"

The Scottish Government said: "By studying history, we can create a better understanding of how Scotland came to be, where it is now and the part the nation could play in shaping the future."